Falling Forward: Memoirs of My Life with Polio

In 2010, I was asked by one of the few remaining polio-related publications to write a few short stories about my experiences growing up with polio. I caught polio in the fall of 1950, in the last polio epidemic that ran from 1949 to 1952. The Salk and Sabin vaccines arrived in 1954 and 1957 and polio declined as a threat in the U.S. soon afterwards.

In reflection, I have been extremely blessed throughout my life because of my catching the dreaded disease. I had a supportive, loving family; because of the polio I learned that I must get a good education and could not work in the local factories or on farms; I married an extraordinary girl, a nurse, who supported me in my work, gave me two wonderful children and who I love more than ever after 51 years of marriage; my work allowed me to meet leaders internationally and travel extensively in North America, Asia and Europe; l was blessed with two hard working, talented partners and our business, now 30 years old, has exceeded our best expectations, and my health remains good.

On my 73rd birthday, my family gave me this book, made from the stories I wrote a decade ago. The original title "Limping Through Life in Crippling Detail" could not be used because it had already been on another publication. I hope you enjoy this light hearted recollection of my early days.

I have promised my family to write about the next 50 years of my life; I have begun the outline.

I am honored you would take your valuable time reading my book.